The Environmental Defense Fund is being awarded a grant for $100,000 to aid in its efforts to reconnect the Mississippi River with its delta, revitalize its ecosystem, reduce coastal land loss, all in ways to benefit the industries and people who depend upon it. Brian Jackson, the Environmental Defense Fund’s associate director for stakeholder projects, said the goal is to bring scientists, engineers and residents together to “ensure we’re rebuilding the coast in the most sustainable, least disruptive way for already stressed communities.”

The Greater New Orleans Foundation also awarded the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana a grant for $205,000 to fund its Next Gen Public Outreach program that promotes building consensus around specific projects within the state’s coastal protection and restoration master plan.

A third, $91,000 grant will fund a documentary to further broaden awareness of coastal issues.